Why Da Vinci’s Demons Was Cancelled

Starz’s Da Vinci’s Demons has been cancelled seemingly just because the network could be arsed to make it any more.

The show’s ratings have been respectable around the world and there’s a third season in the can produced under a new showrunner (former X-Files and Breaking Bad producer John Shiban having taken over from Man Of Steel/Batman V Superman scripter David S Goyer). But Starz boss Chris Albrecht says the decision came down to the network having stronger shows that appeal to the same demographics: “We really believe in serving underserved audiences in the premium cable space,” he says in something that resembles English, and pointing to The White Queen, Black Sails, Outlander and the comedy Survivor’s Remorse.

“The key is having shows that target a specific audience that becomes really passionate about the show,” he continues. “We have the success with Black Sails, which in some ways appeals to some of the same audiences and while we have a lot of fan boys for Da Vinci’s Demons, we have what must be the fan boy series of all time in Ash vs. the Evil Dead.”

Deadline reveals that there are early plans to make the entire season three available online on-demand the day of the premiere, though wether that will be the case in the UK too – where the show has traditionally aired on Fox – is unclear.

“There is no bad news here,” says Albrech. “The show ran its course. If a show runs for three seasons, it doesn’t mean it’s not a success, especially in the premium space.”

Tell to all the people who were employed on the show in South Wales. Presumably there’ll be a lot of designers and craftsmen knocking on Doctor Who’s door.

Meanwhile John Shiban has this to say of series three: “I wanted to ground it a little. I wanted this show to get a little more realistic and less like a fantasy. To bring the audience deeper into the story so that instead of watching a movie and you’re outside watching superheroes, you’re on the inside watching people you can understand in situations that are dangerous – truly dangerous.”